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How to Record a Live Stream on PC, Mac, iPhone…

This is a complete guide on how to record a live stream on PC, Mac, iPhone, and Android using five tested ways.

Myra Xian Avatar

Updated on

Quick Answer:
You can record a live stream on your computer or mobile using the following tools or features:

· SurFlex Screen Recorder
· Xbox Game Bar
· SurFlex Screen Recorder
· The built-in screen recorder on mobile

By recording a live stream, you can not only create an archive of important content but also watch it at your convenience. Therefore, many of you may need to record a live stream at some point. If you want to capture a live stream but don’t know how to do it, check the tips below, and you will learn how to record a live stream on your computer or mobile device with ease.

How to Record a Live Stream on PC

Recording a streaming video on a PC is generally easier compared to other devices. This is due to the availability of numerous screen recording tools for Windows, which allow you to record your screen, including live streams. Here, I will share two common methods for recording live streams on a PC.

Record Live Stream Flexibly

SurFlex Screen Recorder is an easy-to-use and powerful tool for screen recording on Windows. This application allows you to capture various elements on your screen, such as the desktop, a selected portion, a specific window, and even your webcam. It also records audio simultaneously, including system sound, app sound, and microphone input. With these features, SurFlex Screen Recorder is an excellent live stream recorder for you.

It’s worth noting that SurFlex Screen Recorder offers a wide range of customizable options. You can select the desired video format, video quality, frame rate, and more according to your preferences. If you are looking for flexible live stream recording capabilities, this tool is a highly recommended choice.

To record a live stream on PC:

Step 1. Launch SurFlex Screen Recorder and then click Settings to customize the output options.

Windows Screen Recorder Main Interface

Step 2. Enable audio recording and choose to record System Sound.

Select Audio Recording Option on Windows

Step 3. According to the video playing window, choose to record the full screen or a selected portion.

Select Region Drop-Down Menu

Step 4. Select the recording region you need and then click REC to start recording the live stream.

Select Live Stream

Step 5. After you capture the desired video, click Stop and check the video in the popup video list.

Record Live Stream

Record Streaming Video on Windows 10 and Later for Free

Another method to record streaming video on Windows 10 or later is by utilizing the built-in screen recorder called Xbox Game Bar. While it does not offer customization options for the recording region, Xbox Game Bar recording is capable of capturing the currently active window along with all audio sources. If this meets your requirements, you can follow the steps below to record a live streaming video on your Windows PC or laptop.

Notes: Before you start, you’d better go to Start > Settings > Gaming > Captures and Xbox Game Bar (Windows+G) > Settings > Capturing to set up your recording preferences, such as maximum recording length, video quality, and audio type.

To record streaming video on Windows 10:

Step 1. Ensure the live streaming window is currently active.

Step 2. Press Windows-Alt-R to start recording the live stream immediately.

Step 3. When you are done, press Windows-Alt-R again or directly click the Stop button in the recording bar.

Step 4. Go to Xbox Game Bar (Windows-G), open the Gallery panel via the Widget Menu, and then check the recorded video.

Xbox Game Bar on Windows

How to Record a Live Stream on Mac

There are also third-party and built-in screen recorders for macOS that allow you to record a live stream on Mac. For example, the flexible screen recorder mentioned above, SurFlex Screen Recorder, is also compatible with macOS. In addition, native apps on Mac, such as Screenshot and QuickTime Player, are also helpful to capture streaming video.

However, it’s advisable to use a professional screen recorder to help you record a live stream on Mac since the preinstalled apps won’t be able to capture internal sound by default (you need to install a virtual audio driver to capture system sound).

Therefore, you are recommended to try SurFlex Screen Recorder to record a live stream on your Mac with audio.

To record a streaming video on Mac:

Step 1. Go to Settings to set up your recording preferences, and then choose the Record Screen mode.

Mac Screen Recorder Record Screen Mode

Step 2. Choose to record the Full Screen or a Selected Region and then select the recording area.

Select Recording Area

Step 3. Enable audio recording, select Microphone, System Sound, or System Sound and Microphone, and then click REC to start recording your Mac screen with audio.

Select Audio Recording Option

Step 4. Once you have finished recording, click the Stop button and then preview the video.

Record Window on Mac

How to Record a Live Stream on iPhone

The easiest way to record a live stream on iPhone is by using the built-in screen recording feature on iOS. By adding this feature to your Control Center, you will be able to freely record the screen on your iPhone whenever you want, at no cost.

To record a live stream on iPhone:

Step 1. Go to the Settings app to add Screen Recording to your Control Center.

Step 2. When you need to record a live stream, swipe down from the top right of the screen and tap the recording icon.

Step 3. When you are finished with the recording, tap the recording bar and click the Stop button.

Record iPhone screen

If you want more customizable features for live stream recording, you can go to the App Store on your iPhone and find a professional screen recording app to apply.

How to Record a Live Stream on Android

Similarly, Android also offers a native screen recorder that allows you to easily record videos on your phone. Additionally, you can explore screen recording apps available on Google Play and choose the one that suits your preferences.

To record a live stream on Android:

Step 1. Make sure the Screen Recorder is available in your Control Panel.

Step 2. When you need to record a live stream, open the Control Panel and tap Screen Recorder.

Step 3. When you are done, tap the recording bar and tap the Stop button.

Record Screen on Android

More Livestream Recording Tips

When you record a live stream on your device, you may also want to know:

Can you record a live stream?

Yes, you can record a live stream on your computer or mobile using the built-in screen recorder on your device or a third-party screen recorder easily.

Can you record streaming programs?

Yes, you can record streaming programs to capture everything on it with a screen recorder like SurFlex Screen Recorder, Camtasia, Snagit, and more.

How can I record live streaming for free?

To record live streaming for free, you can use the built-in screen recorder on your device:

  • Xbox Game Bar for Windows
  • QuickTime Player for Mac
  • The built-in screen recorder on a phone or tablet

Wrapping Up

Recording streaming videos is made easy with the assistance of a screen recorder, either preinstalled on your device or obtained from a third-party source. In most cases, utilizing the native screen recorder is sufficient for capturing both video and audio. However, if you are seeking more advanced screen recording functionalities, opting for a professional screen recorder becomes necessary.

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